Friday 30 April 2010

Background

These are probably amongst the best known verses in John'sGospel and are part of what are known as the 'Farewell Discourses'(chapters 13-17). The words recorded are in the context of Jesus'last meal with his disciples, after he has washed their feet andspoken to them about the meaning of service. He then tries toexplain to them what is about to happen which, in John's Gospel, isdescribed in terms of him 'going to his father'.

As often happens in this Gospel the conversation between Jesus andthe disciples takes place on different levels. When we read thistext and hear the words about Jesus 'going to prepare a place forus' we do so knowing about the Cross and resurrection. Thomas hadno such advantage and he takes what Jesus is saying very literally.He assumes Jesus is going on a physical journey and very logicallyasks how they can be expected to follow if they don't know whereJesus is going.

It's easy to share Thomas' frustration. Jesus asks us to follow,but it is not always totally clear what that means. Some Christiansare into issues of social justice, protesting and politicalactivism and they see this as being a significant outworking oftheir faith. There are other, equally committed Christians, who areuncomfortable with such activism and who want to live out theirfaith in different ways.

How do we determine which is the right way to follow Jesus? Is it amatter of personal choice? Do we opt for one way over anotherbecause of our personality? Working out how we follow Jesus canstill be a puzzle for us and Thomas' question remains as relevanttoday as it was when it was first asked: "How do we know theway?"

To Ponder

How do we work out which way Jesus wants us to goand what he wants from us?

Thomas misunderstood what Jesus was saying andtook him literally. How can you know that you have notmisunderstood what Jesus is saying to you, and that you are reallyfollowing what he wants you to do?